US5730121A

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US5730121A
Application number: US08/684,016
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert D. Hawkins, Jr.; Steven J. Herberholt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-07-19
Filing date: 1996-07-19
Publication date: 1998-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2016-07-19
Also published as: US6035891A

Abstract

The present invention is an improved system and apparatus for providing emergency breathing air upon the failure or disconnect of a primary air source in a hostile environment. The invention comprises a compressed air source interconnected with a primary pressurized system which automatically engages when the primary air system falls below a predefined pressure range and isolates the secondary system from the primary system.

Description

The present invention relates to a system for providing breathing air, under life-threatening emergency conditions, to a user otherwise trapped in a non-breathable atmosphere. The invention has utility in underwater and fouled air conditions and features an embodiment for automatic operation wherein the user is trapped upside down in water and so stricken as to be unable to assist in his rescue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automobile, plane and motorized boat racing are sports which have enjoyed increasing popularity in modern times. As speeds increase so does the danger of accidents and the harm which might be visited upon the participants. In land and air vehicle racing a most feared danger is being trapped or otherwise incapacitated in the vehicle with toxic or otherwise non-breathable fumes fouling the air and causing asphyxiation. In motorized boat racing a most feared danger is being trapped or otherwise incapacitated underwater without a breathable air source.

The use of breathing devices in a non-breathable atmosphere is well known. Breathable air sources are commonly used in high altitude aircraft and generally involve complex systems which dispense oxygenated atmosphere from a bulky container mounted within the aircraft. In high speed auto and boat racing it is becoming more common for participants to use a similar complex system wherein a breathable atmosphere is dispensed to the participants from a bulky container mounted in the auto or boat. Portable but bulky breathing apparatus is commonly used in underwater diving and in fouled atmosphere conditions wherein the diver or worker has mounted to his back a bulky container of breathable air with a breathing mechanism which supplies air to the participant upon demand.

Such apparatus and systems however, generally demand that the user be in conscious control of his faculties and require a continuous tether to a compressed air container. In many emergency situations there is sudden, unexpected detachment from the tether and the user is immersed in an non-breathable atmosphere where he may be trapped or so stricken as to be unable to reattach to his breathable air life-line.

In order to guard against such unexpected situations, personal emergency breathable air containers have been proposed, which comprise a small compressed breathable air container generally conveniently carried by the user which can provide an emergency supply of breathable air. Such units are mounted and/or carried separate from the durable breathable air supply system and require the user to manually remove the container from it's mount, activate an appropriate valve system, remove parts of the durable system and manually regulate the personal breathable air supply to survive.

Unfortunately, such personal air containers and systems require at least some conscious participation by the user or other person, a requirement which may not be feasible in a sudden emergency situation where the user is restrained by being trapped or otherwise disoriented, unconscious or so stricken as to be unable to think or act appropriately.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a breathable air system which is convenient for use in durable operation.

It is another object of the invention to provide a breathable air system which can be easily disengaged from durable operation.

It is further object of the invention to provide a breathable air system which in an emergency situation will provide emergency breathable air sufficient for timely rescue from a non-breathable environment.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a release apparatus for disengaging a breathable air system from the user.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved system and apparatus for providing breathing air in an emergency situation, wherein a secondary breathing air supply source, is interconnected with operative delivery means for supplying air from a durable primary air source and automatically engages upon sudden interruption of air flow from the durable primary air source.

In a general embodiment of the invention, the primary air supply source is continuous pressurized breathable air from a source such as a large air cylinder or the like which supplies breathable air to the user as is functionally appropriate for durable life support in a hostile breathing environment, for example 10 or more minutes of breathable air supply. The secondary breathing air source comprises a limited capacity compressed air source, such as a small cylinder or the like, which comprises an emergency supply of breathable air, for example less than about 10 minutes of breathable air supply. Such small container is interconnected with the durable life support delivery system of the primary air supply and is generally carried by and/or is conveniently mounted personal to the user.

The primary air source is delivered by operative delivery means to about the outlet of the user at a defined operative durable primary pressure. The secondary air source is interconnected along the operative delivery means supplying the primary air and a shut off means is positioned along the primary air operative delivery means between the point of interconnection and the primary air source. Flow from the secondary air source is controlled at a lower operative pressure than the defined operative durable primary pressure of the primary air supply, such that as long as air continues to flow from the primary supply air to maintain the primary operative durable pressure, air will not flow from the secondary supply. Upon reduction of primary operative durable pressure to about the lower operative pressure flow of the secondary source, air flows from the secondary source.

In a preferred embodiment, a shut-off means comprising a flow valve or the like, is located in the primary operative delivery system which automatically shuts off flow from and to the primary air source upon an emergency event, for example when the operative pressure imposed by the primary air source falls to a level about the operative pressure of the secondary air source or upon emergency manual activation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the primary air supply source comprises a compressed air cylinder or the like which is mounted within a vehicle such as a boat, airplane, auto or the like, and the user is harnessed or otherwise restrained in the vehicle releasable through a quick release mechanism which also functions to disengage air flow from the primary durable air supply. The secondary air supply source, comprises a small cylinder or the like of compressed air which is carried and/or mounted to the user and operatively supplies air to the user upon quick release of the harness and disengagement of the flow of air from the primary supply source.

In a most preferred embodiment, a face mask is fitted to the user for operative supply of breathable air from both the primary and secondary source, with the mask also comprising a user controlled ambient air supply means. Valve means (demand valve) is provided to enable positive breathable and/or on demand air flow, preferably so when the ambient air supply means is closed breathable air is automatically supplied to the user and when the ambient air supply is open, breathable air is continuous or intermittently supplied at user control.

In a further preferred embodiment, the user is restrained in position in the vehicle through harness means comprising a release mechanism for quickly releasing the harness restraint and simultaneously disengaging the primary air source from the operative primary air delivery system of the user.

In a still further preferred embodiment, a compressed air cylinder or the like comprising the primary durable air supply is harnessed to the user and a quick release device disengages the primary durable air source from the user.

In the improved system of the invention a primary air supply source, such as a compressed air cylinder or the like, is mounted to the user and/or vehicle and comprises a primary source valve means for controlling the flow of air from the primary source at a defined primary source pressure. Air flows through operative primary air supply hosing or the like from the source valve means through a quick release mechanism of the invention to the positive and/or demand valve means, arranged generally proximate the user outlet, functioning to supply air to the user upon respiratory demand. The primary air supply hosing between the primary source valve and the demand valve is sized to maintain air pressure from the primary air supply source within a defined normal primary hose pressure range during normal operation.

At a point along the primary air supply hosing between the demand valve and the quick release mechanism, a secondary air supply hose connects with the primary air supply hose which hose is in fluid connection at an opposite end to the secondary air supply source. The secondary air supply source comprises a secondary valve means for controlling the flow of air from the secondary air source at a defined secondary source pressure which is lower than the normal defined primary pressure range.

The quick release mechanism of the invention is operatively connected to maintain the user in restraining harness in the vehicle while coupling the primary air supply source in operative flow to the demand valve. In a further preferred embodiment, the quick release mechanism of the invention also comprises communication and/or liquid nourishment coupling means which coincidentally disengage upon quick release.

Disengagement of the release mechanism of the invention coincidentally releases the harness restraint, primary air source supply and other coupled functions arranged thereat. Valve means is provided to stop the reverse flow of air from the operative hose in communication with the secondary air source and mask, and in a preferred embodiment further valve means is provided to stop the flow of air from the primary source upon uncoupling.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly suitable for boat racing, the ambient air valve comprises means for automatically closing when the user is immersed in a water environment. In a particularly preferred embodiment the ambient valve comprises a ball valve means arranged so that upon contact with water, a water absorbing material expands to immediately push a ball to close an ambient air passageway and prevent the flow of water into a user mask.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention is more fully described in the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a system of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of the system of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a quick release device of the invention in a safety harness embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a quick release device of the invention with communication and air supply disconnect.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 5 with fragmented safety harness attachments shown exploded.

FIG. 7 is a fragmented, sectioned top plan view of a communication connector accessory during release of a quick release device of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a fragmented, sectioned top plan view of an air connector accessory during release by a quick release device of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, therein are depicted various systems of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simple configuration of the system of the invention, wherein compressedair cylinder 10 comprises the primary air source being in fluid connection withpressure valve 11 which is arranged to meter air from compressedair cylinder 10 into

primary pressure line

12c, 12b and 12a in a flow sufficient to maintain a pressure of about 25-35 psi within

lines

12a, 12b and 12c.Demand valve 13 is positioned proximate to or atuser interface 14, and is user respiratory demand operative. Thus, when the user inhales,valve 13 acts to allow flow of air fromprimary passageway 12a through the user interface and acts to restrain flow when the user holds a breadth or exhales.

Check valve 15 is arranged open, allowing the flow of air throughprimary pressure line 12b to line 12a when the pressure inline 12a is less than the pressure inline 12b. Compressedair cylinder 16 of the secondary air system is in fluid connection withpressure valve 17 which meters air from compressedair cylinder 16 intosecondary pressure line 18 in a flow sufficient to maintain a pressure of about 10-15 psi withinline 18. Assecondary line 18 is inimmediate fluid connection 18a with

primary pressure lines

12a and 12b, the higher normal pressure level of

lines

12a and 12b maintain a steady state normal pressure insecondary line 18 of about 25-35 psi, thus stemming flow of air fromvalve 17.

With opening ofdemand valve 13 during inhaling, the pressure inlines 12a-c and 18 begins to reduce and air flows throughvalve 11 to maintain the primary system pressure at the defined range. With balancing of the defined pressure at which air flows throughvalve 17, the sizing of

lines

12a, 12b and 12c, and the defined pressure to be sustained for normal pressurization of

lines

12a, 12b and 12c by flow throughvalve 11, the system can be tuned so that air does not flow from the secondary air source throughsecondary valve 17 under normal durable primary system operation.

Upon failure of the durable system to provide sufficient flow from the primary source to maintain pressurization above about the level of the secondary system activation, air from the secondary source flows throughvalve 17 and into

line

12a and 12b. With such failure of flow from the primary source,check valve 15 closes and the secondary source becomes a closed circuit operative emergency life sustaining system separate from the primary air source. In the illustration of FIG. 1, warning means 19 engages upon flow fromsecondary air container 16, to provide the user with a timely warning of primary system interruption.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system embodiment whereincompressed air cylinder 20 comprises the primary air source being in fluid connection withpressure valve 21 which is arranged to meter air fromcompressed air cylinder 20 intoprimary pressure lines 22a-d, in a flow sufficient to maintain a pressure of about 25-35 psi withinlines 22a-d.Demand valve 23 is positioned proximate to or atuser interface 24, and is user respiratory demand operative. When the user inhales,valve 23 acts to allow flow of air fromprimary passageway 22a through the user interface and acts to restrain flow when the user holds a breadth or exhales.

Checkvalve 25 is arranged open, allowing the flow of air throughprimary pressure line 22b toline 22a when the pressure inline 22a is less than the pressure inline 22b.Compressed air cylinder 26 of the secondary air system is in fluid connection withpressure valve 27 which meters air fromcompressed air cylinder 26 intosecondary pressure line 28 in a flow sufficient to maintain a pressure of about 10-15 psi withinline 28. Assecondary line 28 is influid connection 28a with

primary pressure lines

22a and 22b, the higher normal pressure level of

lines

22a and 22b maintain a steady state normal pressure insecondary line 28 of about 25-35 psi, thus stemming flow of air fromvalve 27.

With opening ofdemand valve 23 during inhaling, the pressure inlines 22a-d begins to reduce and air flows throughvalve 21 to maintain the primary system pressure at the defined range. With careful balancing of the defined pressure at which air flows throughvalve 27, the sizing oflines 22a-d, and the defined pressure to be sustained for normal pressurization oflines 22a-d by flow throughvalve 21, the system can be tuned so that air does not flow from the secondary source throughsecondary valve 27 under normal durable primary system operation.

Quick disconnect device 29 comprises a manual means for disconnecting the primary air source from the system. Disconnect, interrupts flow from the durable air source for maintaining pressurization above about the level of the secondary system activation and air flows from the secondary system into

line

22a and 22b withcheck valve 25 closing to isolate the secondary system in a closed circuit system.

Optional check valves 44 and 9 are illustrated in the schematic of FIG. 2. Checkvalve 44 is arranged to close upon disconnect, to prevent air escape from the primary air source, an embodiment desirable in boating applications for reducing vision obstruction by bubbling in underwater emergencies. Check valve 9 illustrates optional means for restraining air flow between disparate pressure sides of the system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system embodiment whereincompressed air cylinder 30 comprises the primary air source being in fluid connection withpressure valve 31 which is arranged to meter air fromcompressed air cylinder 30 intoprimary pressure lines 32a-c, in a flow sufficient to maintain a pressure of about 25-35 psi withinlines 32a-c.Demand valve 33 is positioned proximate to or at user interface 34, and is user respiratory demand operative. When the user inhales,valve 33 acts to allow flow of air fromprimary passageway 32a through the user interface and acts to restrain air flow when the user holds a breadth or exhales.

Checkvalve 35 is illustrated as being arranged integral toquick release device 39 and is open to allow a flow of air throughprimary pressure line 32b toline 32a when the pressure inline 32a is less than the pressure in line 32band the quick release device is coupled.Compressed air cylinder 36 of the secondary air system is in fluid connection withpressure valve 37 which meters air fromcompressed air cylinder 36 intosecondary pressure line 38 in a flow sufficient to maintain a pressure of about 10-15 psi withinline 38. Assecondary line 38 is influid connection 38a with

primary pressure lines

32a and 32b, the higher normal pressure level of

lines

32a and 32b maintain a steady state normal pressure insecondary line 38 of about 25-35 psi, thus stemming flow of air fromvalve 37.

With opening ofdemand valve 33 during inhaling, the pressure inlines 32a-c begins to reduce, and air flows throughvalve 31 to maintain the primary system pressure at the defined range. With balancing of the defined pressure at which air flows throughvalve 37, the sizing oflines 32a-c, and the defined pressure to be sustained for normal pressurization oflines 32a-c by flow throughvalve 31, the system can be tuned so that air does not flow from the secondary source throughsecondary valve 37 under normal durable primary system operation.

Quick disconnect device 39 is illustrated as comprisingcheck valve 35, manual means for disconnecting the primary air source from the system and other system disconnects such as communications and/or liquid nourishment systems. With disconnect, the durable system no longer provides air flow to maintain pressurization down to about the level of the secondary system activation, and air flows throughsecondary valve 37 from the secondary source into

line

32a and 32b. At such disconnect of the primarysystem check valve 35 closes and the secondary system again becomes a closed circuit operative emergency life sustaining system.

In FIG. 3,Ambient air valve 40 is illustrated as being functionally positioned at user interface 34. In this schematic illustration, the ambient air valve is can be manually opened and/or closed by the user anddemand valve 33 is adapted for continuous and/or respiratory demand air flow. The ambient air valve may be opened by the system user for ambient air respiration with or without a continuous and/or demand flow of air enabled through the demand valve. Thus, the user can use ambient air as a sole source of respiration or a mixture of ambient air and breathable air from the primary air source or any combination of the above.

Such arrangements with an ambient air valve are generally preferred where the user interface is a face shield or the like, particularly in automotive or boat racing environments, where the flow from the breathable air source can also provide a cooling utility and/or keep a face shield from fogging.

Quick disconnect device 39 is schematically illustrated as comprising a disconnect means for communications, depictingcommunications base station 41 as comprising the operative elections, with input through wiring 41a toquick release 39 and output throughwiring 41b to a headset or the like (not shown) mounted to the user. Similarly,liquid nourishment supply 42 is shown as being interconnected throughquick release 39 through feedingtube 42a and out feedingtube 42b to the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a quick release device of the invention, embodied for use in a safety harness arrangement suitable for sports racing.

Therein,base 60 is illustrated as comprising lapbelt attachment loop 61 for attachment oflap belt 81b,accessory mount 62, lockingguide 63 andrelease actuator 70.Release actuator 70 is hingedly mounted tobase 60 throughpin 64 mounted in pin supports 65a and 65b. Detentes, comprising

balls

66a,66b andsprings 66c,66d are fixed bypin stops 58a,58b in detente supports 68a and 68b and engage corresponding detente rests in the release actuator. Slot 69 is sized to receiveactuator 70.

Actuator 70 comprisesrelease handle 71,interrupter plate 72, detente rests 73a,73b andlock hook 74. Detente rests 73a and 73b (not shown) are sized and positioned to engage

balls

66a and 66b whenactuator 70 is in the locked position to resist unwanted actuation of the release mechanism.Lock hook 74 is sized and positioned to pass throughlock slot 78 ofelongate release plate 77 andlock release plate 77 tobase 60.Release plate 77 is dimensioned to extend frombase 60 when locked to base 60 to accept restrainingharness loops 80a-c along its length and compriseslap belt loop 79 for attachment oflap belt 81a.

Accessory mount 62 is illustrated as comprisingholes 67a and 67b for mounting quick release connectors for compressed air and communications. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates multiple other connectors mountable through the accessory mount such as tube connectors for liquid nourishment, connectors for operator body monitoring means and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the quick release device of FIG. 4 with communication connector, air supply connector and lab belt harness being depicted as connected. Therein, the communication connector is illustrated as comprisingmale member 85 andfemale member 86.Female member 86 is mounted toaccessory mount 62 and connected with remote communications electronics throughwiring 87.Male member 85 is releasably mounted tofemale member 86 and is connected withwiring 88 to a helmet, face mask or the like of the wearer. Release ofmale member 85 from the female connector and the quick release device occurs upon pivot ofinterrupter plate 72.

FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 5 in connected position, with communication connector, air supply connector and five point harness connection being depicted.

Therein, shoulder harness loops 80b and 80c andbase belt loop 80a are shown as connecting along the length ofrelease plate 77.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fragmented, sectioned top plan view of a typical communication connector during quick release upon pivoting the actuator. Therein, the communication connector comprisesfemale member 103 which extends through a hole inaccessory mount 102 ofbase 100 and is held in place byridge 104 and screw oncasing 105.Actuator 110 is pivotally mounted (not shown) tobase 100 and comprisesslot 111a ininterrupter plate 112.Male member 101 comprises wire 107a which connects with conducting leads (not shown) arranged to engage mating conducting receivers (not shown) connected to wire 107b offemale member 103. The body ofmale member 101 is sized to loosely insert withinslot 111a ofinterrupter plate 112, and comprisesshoulder 106 which is dimensioned greater thanslot 111a. Pivotingactuator 110 away from the female connector engagesshoulder 106 ofmale member 101 pulling the male member from mating engagement withfemale member 103.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fragmented, sectioned top plan view of a typical primary air supply connector during quick release upon pivoting the actuator. Therein,actuator 110 is pivotally mounted (not shown) tobase 100 and comprisesslot 111b ininterrupter plate 112. Air supply connectors are known in the prior art and comprisemale member 123 which extends through a hole inaccessory mount 102 ofbase 100, is held in place by mountingnut 124 andridge 125, is sized to insert throughslot 111b ofactuator 110 and comprisesball slot 126.Male member 123 comprisescheck valve member 130 which is spring biased (not shown) to a closed air flow position.Female member 121 comprisescheck valve member 131 which is also spring biased (not shown) to a closed position. Check

valve members

130 and 131 are arranged to engage upon mating of the male and female members in connected position with each member being displaced from a closed position to an open position to allow air flow.

Female member 121 comprisesrelease ring 127 which is spring biased (not shown) to engageball connectors 128, such that upon mating,release ring 127 holds ball connectors inball race 126 of the male member.Release ring 127 is dimensioned larger thanslot 111b and upon pivotingactuator 110 away from the male connector member engagesrelease ring 127 displacing same from holding ball connectors inball race 126 and releasing the male member from mating engagement with the female member. At release

check valve members

130 and 131 are biased to a closed position to prevent flow of air therefrom.

Upon full pivoting action of the actuator, the quick release mechanism separates, shoulder and seat harness loops separate from the release plate and the operator is freed from restraint in his seat and connection to accessories mounted to the vehicle.

Although this invention has been described in detail, it is understood that it is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the sphere and scope of the invention being limited only to the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. An improved breathable air system comprising:

a primary durable breathable air source;

a primary durable air delivery passageway extending from said primary air source operative for the passage of air from said primary source to a valved outlet;

means for controlling the flow of breathable air from said primary air source through said primary passageway at a defined primary passageway air pressure;

a secondary breathable air source;

a secondary passageway extending from said secondary air source and engaging in fluid communication with said primary passageway;

means for controlling the flow of breathable air from said secondary air source into said secondary passageway at a defined secondary air pressure which is less than said primary air pressure;

check valve means, positioned in said primary passageway between the point where the secondary passageway engages the primary passageway and the primary air source, said check valve means arranged for closing said primary passageway when fluid flow from said primary air source is at a pressure less than said defined secondary air pressure.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said secondary air source comprises a compressed air container.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said compressed air container comprises valve means which allows the flow of air to said secondary passageway when the air pressure in said secondary passageway is below a defined pressure.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein a valve of said valved outlet comprises a respiration on demand valve.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein one of said secondary and primary passageways comprises hose means.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said primary air source comprises a compressed air container.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the compressed air container of said primary air source comprises a valve means which restricts the flow of air to said primary passageway to a defined pressure.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the average pressure differential between the primary air pressure and the secondary air pressure is more than about 10 psi.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said check valve is manually engagable.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said check valve engages upon disengagement of the primary air source.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the check valve is operatively connected with disengagement of the user from a harness restraint means.

12. The system of claim 1 comprising a user mask containing said valved outlet and an ambient air intake valve means.

13. A breathable air system, comprising a primary breathable air source in fluid connection with a first passageway and arranged for enabling the flow of air from said primary source to a valve controlled user outlet at a first defined pressure; a secondary breathable air source in fluid connection to said first passageway and arranged for enabling the flow of air from said secondary source at a second defined pressure which is less than said first defined pressure; said flow of air from said secondary source being restrained from flowing through said first passageway by the greater defined pressure of said flow of air from said primary source.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said valve controlled user outlet is enabled upon respiratory demand of the user.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein said secondary air source is portable mounted to said user.

16. The combination comprising a face mask having a valved outlet enabled for delivery of breathable air upon respiratory demand from a primary breathable air source to a user wearing said mask and a segregate valved inlet arranged for enabling the flow of ambient air to said user wearing said mask and controllable by said user.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein flow of ambient air through said valved inlet is interrupted automatically.

18. The combination of claim 17 wherein said face mask is enabled for underwater respiration by said user and said flow of ambient air is automatically interrupted upon submersion of said face mask in water.

19. The combination of claim 16 enabled for the concurrent flow of air from said primary breathable air source and ambient air from said segregate valved inlet.

20. The combination of claim 16 wherein said primary breathable air source is a compressed air source.